Brit lorry driver in dream teaching job bitten to death by mosquitoes

TRAGIC: Mr Murray selflessly abandoned his life in the UK to help orphans [BEN LACK PHOTOGRAPHY]

David Murray had left his job as an HGV driver to teach English in Laos but was dead within months.

His lifelong dream was cut short when he went into shock after mosquito bites on his legs became infected and blood tests revealed he had typhus and deadly dengue fever.

Tragic David – ironically known as Muzz to his friends – was three months into a year-long stay from, Hyndburn, Lancashire when he was taken to hospital by volunteers at the Sae Lao Project where he died.

The 39-year-old's body will be flown through Manchester Airport this week where a coroner will launch an investigation.

His devastated parents broke down at their home in Rishton, Lancashire, as they paid tribute to their son.

"He was really dedicated. He was giving something back in life, probably more than what we have given back when you think about it," said dad Michael.

"He was a saint to the people he was helping in Laos. He was very quiet and did not brag about things, but all this time he has been doing this good work."

His mum Rita added: "We last spoke to him on Skype four days before he died. He was so happy. He had found something good in life, that's our only comfort."

Sengkeo Frichitthavong, who runs the Sae Lao Project, said Mr Murray was taken to a nearby hospital after the infection took hold earlier this month and was given medicine.

But after his condition deteriorated he was taken to another hospital, where blood tests revealed he had typhus and dengue fever.

Dengue fever – also known as breakbone fever – is a mosquito-borne tropical disease which can develop into the life-threatening dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Mr Murray was then transferred to the larger hospital where he died surrounded by his friends and fellow volunteers.

DEADLY: Murray was bitten to death by mosquitoes [GETTY]

“He was a saint to the people he was helping in Laos. He was very quiet and did not brag about things, but all this time he has been doing this good work”

Dad Michael Murray

Documents issued by the hospital revealed the diagnosis was septic shock but a post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out at Royal Blackburn Hospital as part of the coroner's investigation.

The former Blackburn College student had been losing weight and feeling weak and tired, even falling sleep during the day while working at the project, his parents said.

Mr Frichitthavong said: "His blood pressure was low and his temperature was low. We did not understand it was deadly until it cost his life."

Mr Murray had flown out to the country in March after giving up his UK-based comfortable life.

Tributes flooded in on Facebook. His friend Nina Coates said: "Gone but not forgotten in Laos or Rishton. Rest peacefully, Muzz, you were a good man."

Jackie Oldham added: "Rest in peace, David, a wonderful caring man who has been taken too soon. Sending love to all David's family."

And fellow volunteer Victoria Wood said: "So, so sorry to everyone whose life was touched by such an amazing person. 'Dabid', you are going to be deeply missed."